Industry News: Electrified Commodore possible in seven years

Forty electrified models planned by France’s PSA Group by 2025 may include a Holden Commodore.

The parent company of Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, Vauxhall and DS has released few details about the hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric powertrains that may be included by then.

But PSA has offered a 150kW diesel-electric hybrid system called HYbrid4 in selected European Peugeot and DS models since 2011, motoring.com.au reports. Continue reading “Electrified Commodore possible in seven years” »

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Industry News: Warning to check EV battery “state of health”

Dealers are being told a battery “state of health” report is the best way of measuring battery condition when selling an electric vehicle (EV).

The EV’s battery bar display is only an indicator and shouldn’t be promoted in advertising – a print-out of the battery’s state of health should be used instead, the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) says.

The state of health is by far the most accurate way of measuring battery condition the VIA says in urging dealers to take care when advertising EVs. Continue reading “Warning to check EV battery “state of health”” »

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Industry News: Los Angeles police neglect EV fleet

Los Angeles Police Department’s 100-strong fleet of BMW i3 electric cars has barely been used by its administration and general duties staff.

Costing the city $1.4 million (NZ$1.9 million) for a three-year lease, the exercise was well publicised in mid-2016 as part of a $10.2 million (NZ$14 million) program to reduce the LAPD’s fleet emissions.

However, a CBS investigation found some vehicles have only clocked less than 1000 kilometres in 18 months, despite BMW winning the contract which included an additional $1.5 million (NZ$2 million) for charging infrastructure. Continue reading “Los Angeles police neglect EV fleet” »

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Industry News: Dealerships to halve in UK?

A new study by KPMG has found half of UK car dealerships could shut up shop by 2025.

The research, which was based on responses from motoring executives, found sales were likely to move online, The Sun reports.

Dealers might have to restructure by becoming service factories or used car hubs, according to KPMG. Continue reading “Dealerships to halve in UK?” »

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Industry News: AutoTalk magazine is available for download now!

Welcome to the first edition of AutoTalk magazine for 2018 – it’s going to be a big one for the industry.

Australian-based Automotive Holdings Group has started off the year with some major moves in the New Zealand market, including the appointment of Mike Critchley as New Zealand general manager. We speak to Critchley about his plans for the business during his first day on the job, including AHG’s purchase of Auckland Motors Mitsubishi and Manukau Hyundai.

Toyota’s Steve Prangnell takes some time to tell us why dealers have been so important in keeping the company at the top of the New Zealand new car market for three decades and we chat with some industry leaders about their predictions for the year ahead. Continue reading “AutoTalk magazine is available for download now!” »

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Industry News: Crashlab funding to enhance program

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has received funding to upgrade Sydney’s Crashlab facility for its testing of collision avoidance technology.

ANCAP will direct New South Wales roads, maritime and freight minister Melinda Pavey’s A$1.6 million (NZ1.75 million) contribution into the 2018-onward testing of autonomous emergency braking (AEB), speed and lane-assist features.

Pavey says upgrading Australia’s national vehicle fleet with life-saving technology requires investment. Continue reading “Crashlab funding to enhance program” »

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Industry News: Avis expands hybrid fleet

Avis is adding two new hybrid models to its rental fleet in order to keep up with customer demand.

The BMW X5 XDrive40e plug in electric hybrid SUV and Toyota Corolla hybrid hatch will be available in the North Island, joining the existing Toyota Camry hybrid.

Avis New Zealand general manager, Bruce Vincer says the company is reacting to consumer demand. Continue reading “Avis expands hybrid fleet” »

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Industry News: Toyota gives all clear following Kobe Steel investigation

No Toyota products have been affected by the Kobe Steel scandal, the company has revealed.

Toyota initiated an investigation in October last year after Kobe Steel admitted falsifying quality data on some of its products.

The investigation looked at a variety of products including aluminium plates, steel powder and copper tubes. Continue reading “Toyota gives all clear following Kobe Steel investigation” »

No Toyota products have been affected by the Kobe Steel scandal, the c ...

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